This special bonus episode features returning guest, sociologist and cult expert, Dr Janja Lalich.

I reached out to her once again to talk about the NXIVM cult and how specifically it worked from a cult psychology point of view. As someone who not only has been in a cult herself, but has also researched and written a tremendous amount of material about cults, Dr Lalich is an invaluable resource. In addition, she was also heavily involved in the trial and has been filmed for at least 2 documentaries about NXIVM.

I think that not only will you find this episode fascinating about Raniere and NXIVM itself, as we describe cult psychology in general it will prove to be a helpful resource in terms of your own reconstruction--if you come out of controlling religions or groups with undue influence.

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This week's incredible conversation features Janeen Puckett, host of the Deconstruction Stories website--a place where you can share your journeys deconstructing out of religion, anonymously and safely.

Janeen herself has an absolutely incredible story of deconstruction too--she comes out of a prophetic, charismatic version of Christianity that had an unbelievably damaging effect on not just her life, but that of her family too. I'll let her share this amazing story--and please, let us know your thoughts, comments and questions!

And if you want to post your story--here's the link to her site!

Deconstruction Stories site link

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I finally got a chance to edit and release my first episode of my new series for 2021, "Profiles of the Christian Right." For this inaugural episode, I reached out to Mark Potok, who worked at the Southern Poverty Law Center for 20 years and is an expert on the radical Right and the Christian Right.

Mark wrote an article for the SPLC in 2004 exposing, perhaps for the first time publicly, Pastor Doug Wilson and his growing cult-like empire located in Moscow, Idaho. In this chat, we not only break down aspects of Wilson's theology and influence of Christian Reconstructionism on his worldview, we look at the expanding influence Wilson has currently even in mainstream evangelical and Christian homeschooling households.

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In this special bonus episode, given the events of the recent Capitol Riots and the prominence of QAnon-branded diehard Trump loyalists who took part in the insurrection, I figured it was time to take a deep dive into the cult psychology behind this rapidly-spreading online conspiracy theory.

Is it merely a harmless belief system that rational folks can dismiss? I think we all know now that this is no longer an option...we've seen that beliefs in conspiracy theories can drive people to acts of violence, destruction of property, sedition, and even murder.

QAnon played a major role. What is it exactly, and how can we understand it better? Find out more in this bonus episode!

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This week's episode features Paul James Caiden, host of the Mind's Eye Podcast. I was a recent guest on his show and now I'm returning the favor and having him on the show--from Mind's Eye to MindShift!

In this chat we cover not only Paul's story of his faith deconstruction, we focus on the issues surrounding the various traumas that accompany the decision to walk away from one's former faith. In addition, we finish the chat by discussing the dark side of dominion theology, Trumpism and look ahead in terms of what's in store for the American evangelical movement today.

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In this inaugural episode of 2020, I figured something needed to be said about the recent, highly disturbing events in the US Capitol building. An angry mob of Trumpists laid waste to the building, resulting in 5 deaths and the widespread destruction of property. But beyond the headlines, I wanted to explore two additional aspects of the story: one, the draw of conspiracy theories, and two, the Christian nationalist piece to the whole story. Let's take a deep dive into this topic and see what we can uncover! Help Support MindShift Podcast on Patreon in 2021! Contact Information Follow me on Twitter @MindShift2018 Subscribe to the MIndShift Podcast YouTube Channel

This final episode of 2020 features an eye-opening and informative interview with Seven, a rapper and former megachurch pastoral staff member from Jacksonville, Florida.

Seven and his wife experienced not just church hurt during their time as part of the congregation, the situation became much worse as he transitioned into a position on the church staff. Turns out that the only reason the church wanted him on staff was for him to be the "face of diversity" at what was actually an organization with deep and systemic racism at its core. How can this all be reconciled with both a supposedly loving God, and a loving church?

As a result of his experiences, Seven walked away from it all...and is now speaking out.

Support Seven! Order "Sunday Mourning" at WinLoseorMaybe

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In this special bonus episode, I’m bringing back recent guest Frank Schaeffer, son of the hugely famous and influential Francis and Edith Schaeffer.  

As we discussed in our last episode, we’d return to talk about two of his books: Crazy for God and Why I’m an Atheist who Believes in God. I read them both (highly recommended, by the way), and that gave me ample content to fire questions at Frank.  

As always, Frank is knowledgeable, informed, up-to-date and above all, passionate about this subject. Enjoy this special episode as an early Christmas present!  

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In this special bonus episode, I'm bringing back recent guest Frank Schaeffer, son of the hugely famous and influential Francis and Edith Schaeffer. As we discussed in our last episode, we'd return to talk about two of his books: Crazy for God and Why I'm an Atheist who Believes in God. I read them both (highly recommended, by the way), and that gave me ample content to fire questions at Frank. As always, Frank is knowledgeable, informed, up-to-date and above all, passionate about this subject. Enjoy this special episode as an early Christmas present! Help Support MindShift Podcast on Patreon! Follow Frank on Twitter @Frank_Schaeffer Follow me on Twitter @MindShift2018 Like the MindShift Podcast Facebook Page Subscribe on YouTube

This episode will be of great value to anyone who grew up in a fundamentalist or evangelical Bible cult background, like this week's guest--life coach Rebekah Drumsta.

Beyond talking about her incredible life's journey out of fundamentalism, and then rebuilding, we get into Rebekah's amazing work as a life coach, helping people recover from the oftentimes harmful, traumatic and toxic effects of fundamentalist or high-control religious groups.

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